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🇧🇪 Belgium /Culture & Society

Diksmuide opens free swimming zone in Handzamevaart: "Cooling in the heart of the city"

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • Diksmuide, Belgium, has opened a new free swimming zone in the Handzamevaart canal for the summer.
  • The 250-meter zone offers toilets, changing rooms, and a sunbathing area, with daily opening hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Water quality will be monitored weekly, and the zone may close if quality drops, with a pilot project evaluation planned after the summer.

Diksmuide, Belgium, has officially opened a new free swimming zone in the Handzamevaart canal, offering residents and visitors a place to cool off in the heart of the city throughout the summer. The designated area spans 250 meters and is accessible daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

While there is no direct supervision in the swimming zone, essential facilities such as toilets, a changing room, and a sunbathing lawn are provided. Mayor Koen Coupillie stated that the initiative fulfills a need for recreational water activities within the city center, aligning with plans for the 2026-2031 period. "Our residents must find cooling, sports, and fun in the heart of our city," Coupillie said.

Our residents must find cooling, sports, and fun in the heart of our city.

— Koen CoupillieMayor Koen Coupillie explains the motivation behind opening the new swimming zone in Diksmuide.

The safety of swimmers is a priority, with weekly water quality tests conducted. A red flag will be flown, and the zone closed if the water quality deteriorates. "We take water samples weekly because we want to guarantee the safety of the swimmers," Coupillie explained. The swimming zone is currently a pilot project, and an evaluation will take place after the summer holidays to assess its success and identify potential improvements for future implementation.

We take water samples weekly because we want to guarantee the safety of the swimmers.

— Koen CoupillieMayor Coupillie emphasizes the commitment to ensuring swimmer safety through regular water quality monitoring.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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